Paddy
Veteran Member
Any thoughts on comparring these two? I've been looking at the KAMA 454.
Patrick
Patrick
Farmpro vs KAMA
- Thread starter Paddy
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Scozz
Silver Member
Go for the KAMA (I'm just a little bias though) /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ... Scozz
bluechip
Veteran Member
Which model of Farm Pro. probably like comparing apples and oragnes. Assuming you are thinking Farm Pro 2430, the KM454 has a 50% HP advantage, constant mesh trans for easier shifting on the fly, wet disk brakes, hydraulic remotes, mechanical shuttle and about 500 more lbs of iron. It is a little more money though and it the 2430 will do what you want to do, then it may make sence for you.
I am also making a decision between the Kama and Farm Pro. The big pos I see for the Kama are the size, added HP, Shuttle Shift, Syc trany, and gauge cluster. The big pros on the Farm Pro is parts access and a 1 year Labor coverage. Also I see the fiberglass panels as a big pro.
Farm Pro's are obviously Jinma's and parts are available via online shopping and many dealers. I can not find any online catalog of Kama parts. I am also not sure of other Kama deals will sell parts for a tractor they did not sell if your dealer is out of stock. Anybody have any ideas on this?
I actually favor the Kamma but am still trying to get more educated on the parts issue before making a final decision.
S2kDaniel
Farm Pro's are obviously Jinma's and parts are available via online shopping and many dealers. I can not find any online catalog of Kama parts. I am also not sure of other Kama deals will sell parts for a tractor they did not sell if your dealer is out of stock. Anybody have any ideas on this?
I actually favor the Kamma but am still trying to get more educated on the parts issue before making a final decision.
S2kDaniel
GRUMPA
Gold Member
s2kdaniel
If you want a 1yr labor guarantee your more than likely going to have to go with whatever is close to you. Either one of those tractors be prepared to get your hands dirty. If you do a search in this forum you'll find out that most repair work is done on the jinmas vs. kamas. I've only been in here less than a year and there's very few kama problems compared with jinmas.
From what I've seen kamas are somewhat newer than jinmas but month for month kamas seem to be prone to less wrenching time from the owners. I have one, took some research on my part but I spent the money, money I would say was well spent. As far as the parts issue, I've needed only minor parts and my dealer although out of state has always gotten me the parts (all of 3) within 3 business days.
If you want a 1yr labor guarantee your more than likely going to have to go with whatever is close to you. Either one of those tractors be prepared to get your hands dirty. If you do a search in this forum you'll find out that most repair work is done on the jinmas vs. kamas. I've only been in here less than a year and there's very few kama problems compared with jinmas.
From what I've seen kamas are somewhat newer than jinmas but month for month kamas seem to be prone to less wrenching time from the owners. I have one, took some research on my part but I spent the money, money I would say was well spent. As far as the parts issue, I've needed only minor parts and my dealer although out of state has always gotten me the parts (all of 3) within 3 business days.
johnk
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There are a whole lot more Jinmas out there with a lot more hours than the Kamas. I'm not sure when the Kamas came out but I would say they are fairly new. I have seen posts from Jinma owners with up to 600 hrs on them with few problems. Some have had there share but many are dependable with the the little quirks that happen to all including the big three. Parts would be my question of which to buy. They will all need parts no matter what brand they are.........Any Kama owners out there lets hear how many hours you have on yours and what problems if any you have had.......Not a bash board just for everyones info.........
John
John
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greg_g
Super Member
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Any Kama owners out there lets hear how many hours you have on yours and what problems if any you have had )</font>
2004 KM454 with 70 hours
I understand that it's not exactly fair to measure a 25hp Jinma against the much larger and heavier 45hp KAMA. So don't anybody take this as Jinma bashing. And I'll qualify up front, that MANY of the Jinma maintenance problems were CAUSED by a dealer who was obviously unprepared to properly maintain what he sold.
After hundreds of maintenance hours put into a pair of JM254s, this KAMA is comparatively trouble free. There were a few "new tractor" bugs to work out in the first 20 hours or so. But nothing that a few warranty parts and regular hand tools couldn't fix. And once fixed, the problems STAYED fixed. Where the Jinmas were shop queens, this KAMA has only been laid up 2 hours - while I went into town to get a fuel line repaired. Even with no glow plugs, the engine has started every morning this winter. Fuel consumption seems reasonable for a 2.5 liter engine, seems like I go weeks on a 16 gallon tank. The hydraulic filter is (thankfully) external, but it's mounted so low as to require the reservior be drained before changing screens.
It's nice and wide, with a lower center of gravity than the Jinmas - but obviously can't turn around in a Jinma sized circle. Whereas a 25 hp Jinma turned out to be insufficient to my needs, I haven't come across a job around here yet, that 45 hp won't handle easily. I will say though, that the KAMA has wimpy TPH hardware; I've bent the all threaded ends already - toplink and both vertical stabilizers. Really really soft steel. I've already gone to Pat's Hitches on the lower lift arms, and am getting a hydraulic toplink next month (the KM454 has factory rear remotes). Now if I could only find some vertical stabilizers that fit............
//greg//
2004 KM454 with 70 hours
I understand that it's not exactly fair to measure a 25hp Jinma against the much larger and heavier 45hp KAMA. So don't anybody take this as Jinma bashing. And I'll qualify up front, that MANY of the Jinma maintenance problems were CAUSED by a dealer who was obviously unprepared to properly maintain what he sold.
After hundreds of maintenance hours put into a pair of JM254s, this KAMA is comparatively trouble free. There were a few "new tractor" bugs to work out in the first 20 hours or so. But nothing that a few warranty parts and regular hand tools couldn't fix. And once fixed, the problems STAYED fixed. Where the Jinmas were shop queens, this KAMA has only been laid up 2 hours - while I went into town to get a fuel line repaired. Even with no glow plugs, the engine has started every morning this winter. Fuel consumption seems reasonable for a 2.5 liter engine, seems like I go weeks on a 16 gallon tank. The hydraulic filter is (thankfully) external, but it's mounted so low as to require the reservior be drained before changing screens.
It's nice and wide, with a lower center of gravity than the Jinmas - but obviously can't turn around in a Jinma sized circle. Whereas a 25 hp Jinma turned out to be insufficient to my needs, I haven't come across a job around here yet, that 45 hp won't handle easily. I will say though, that the KAMA has wimpy TPH hardware; I've bent the all threaded ends already - toplink and both vertical stabilizers. Really really soft steel. I've already gone to Pat's Hitches on the lower lift arms, and am getting a hydraulic toplink next month (the KM454 has factory rear remotes). Now if I could only find some vertical stabilizers that fit............
//greg//
GRUMPA
Gold Member
TS 354C (38hrs)
I dont think it would be fair to include mine since it sits on the side of my house for the time being. I bought it for our ranch in the north and its not there yet. When it was delivered I planed on going thru it top to bottom before we take it up there because we are pretty much cut off from the rest of civilization. Lets face it if there was a problem up there nobody would know because there's no phone or net service up there.
When it arrived there was very minor problems right off the bat, broken rear light, bad reverse switch then while I was on my driveway I noticed a trail of spots. Looking further I noticed the steering cylinder was leeking. So I replaced that, then changed the filters with aftermarket ones, changed all the fluids and getting ready to replace the radiator hose. Seems the american anti-freeze and chinese rubber dont mix. If it wasent for TBN I would be lost in more ways than one. On a side note GREG for us that dont know tractor jargen whats a TPH?
I dont think it would be fair to include mine since it sits on the side of my house for the time being. I bought it for our ranch in the north and its not there yet. When it was delivered I planed on going thru it top to bottom before we take it up there because we are pretty much cut off from the rest of civilization. Lets face it if there was a problem up there nobody would know because there's no phone or net service up there.
When it arrived there was very minor problems right off the bat, broken rear light, bad reverse switch then while I was on my driveway I noticed a trail of spots. Looking further I noticed the steering cylinder was leeking. So I replaced that, then changed the filters with aftermarket ones, changed all the fluids and getting ready to replace the radiator hose. Seems the american anti-freeze and chinese rubber dont mix. If it wasent for TBN I would be lost in more ways than one. On a side note GREG for us that dont know tractor jargen whats a TPH?
Harrygoodwrench
Gold Member
There is absolutely NO way you can compare Kama and Jinma. Different class of tractors. Kamas begin where Jinma basically end(for now anyways).
There are many, many more Jinmas out there so of course you will hear of more defects and problems but with so very few Kamas it will take time to hear exactly what the issues will be. Issues and defects are a certainty with ANY brand equipment.
There are many, many more Jinmas out there so of course you will hear of more defects and problems but with so very few Kamas it will take time to hear exactly what the issues will be. Issues and defects are a certainty with ANY brand equipment.
greg_g
Super Member
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( There is absolutely NO way you can compare Kama and Jinma. )</font>
That's a pretty sweeping statement Harry. In the case of my KM454 and above, true - but I was careful to point that out above.
But you're not taking into consideration that TaiShan - specifically the TS254 and TS354 - are "little Kamas". A comparison of these models with JM254s and JM354s is fair, especially considering TS254 uses a Y385 engine.
//greg//
That's a pretty sweeping statement Harry. In the case of my KM454 and above, true - but I was careful to point that out above.
But you're not taking into consideration that TaiShan - specifically the TS254 and TS354 - are "little Kamas". A comparison of these models with JM254s and JM354s is fair, especially considering TS254 uses a Y385 engine.
//greg//
billbill1
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Greg, I thought I read somewhere (can't find it now) that you had the Pat's Easychange. Do you like it? I think one would work for me as my implements are all spaced within 1" of being the same. Thanks
bluechip
Veteran Member
The TS series (pre KAMA) have been imported many years. I have ordered (and received) many parts for early 1990's TS tractors. They didn't really take off as well as they might have because they only used two cylinder engines. The Chassis of the TS series is long proven and is reported to be the most widely used 30HP class chassis in the Chinese home market. The KM series was designed with export in mind (as is the case with all KAMA branded products, from genrators to bandsaws, etc). Duetz Fahr had input on the design and it has proven to be even more reliable than the TS series. The KMs have been coming to the US for a few years and sold under various names. Of course you will hear more about Jinmas, they are sold in the thousands each year where KAMAs are sold in the hundreds, remember, only a relatively small sample of owners participate in these forums, usually those looking for help, so it does slant the picture slightly.
I personally think the KAMA KM series is the best bang for the buck in the 45/50hp class, it is priced low, even by Chinese standards and in that class, I think there are many more KMs here in the US than JMs.
I have also seen an improvement in the Jinma and Farm Pro tractors we sell. The fit and finish and cosmetics continue to improve as well as assembly quality. The KAMA 35 and JIMNA 35 are the most competitive with each other in my opinion and the choice between them becomes a matter of personal preference and choice of dealer. But for a little more money than these 30/35HP tractors, you get so much more in the KAMA KM 454, just my slightly biased, but heartfelt opinion.
I personally think the KAMA KM series is the best bang for the buck in the 45/50hp class, it is priced low, even by Chinese standards and in that class, I think there are many more KMs here in the US than JMs.
I have also seen an improvement in the Jinma and Farm Pro tractors we sell. The fit and finish and cosmetics continue to improve as well as assembly quality. The KAMA 35 and JIMNA 35 are the most competitive with each other in my opinion and the choice between them becomes a matter of personal preference and choice of dealer. But for a little more money than these 30/35HP tractors, you get so much more in the KAMA KM 454, just my slightly biased, but heartfelt opinion.
greg_g
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Greg, I thought I read somewhere (can't find it now) that you had the Pat's Easychange. Do you like it? )</font>
Be happy to discuss it offline Bill. Don't think I've got your email address though. If you don't mind, send me yours via the forum private message function - and we'll pick it up from there.
//greg//
Be happy to discuss it offline Bill. Don't think I've got your email address though. If you don't mind, send me yours via the forum private message function - and we'll pick it up from there.
//greg//
Harrygoodwrench
Gold Member
Yes Greg that might be a sweeping statement but its not a fair comparision. Its like trying to compare a F150 to a F350. They are in same size catagory but not the same size class.
greg_g
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</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Yes Greg that might be a sweeping statement but its not a fair comparision. Its like trying to compare a F150 to a F350. They are in same size catagory but not the same size class. )</font>
Not sure what you mean by "same size catagory but not the same size class". That almost sounds like you've established a position that all KAMAs are superior to all Jinmas.
Again, I think I was pretty clear about qualifying my past JM254 experience against my current KM454 experience. But what's unfair about comparing
the Jinma JM254 with the Kama-TS254,
the Jinma JM354 with the Kama-TS354, and
the Jinma JM454 with the KAMA KM454?
Seems like a pretty level playing field to me Harry.....let the best tractor win.
//greg//
Not sure what you mean by "same size catagory but not the same size class". That almost sounds like you've established a position that all KAMAs are superior to all Jinmas.
Again, I think I was pretty clear about qualifying my past JM254 experience against my current KM454 experience. But what's unfair about comparing
the Jinma JM254 with the Kama-TS254,
the Jinma JM354 with the Kama-TS354, and
the Jinma JM454 with the KAMA KM454?
Seems like a pretty level playing field to me Harry.....let the best tractor win.
//greg//
